Blancpain x Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms Pink Ocean

Blancpain, a name synonymous with luxury and heritage in the watchmaking world, traces its roots back to 1735. Nestled in the Swiss Jura, this brand holds the esteemed title of the world's oldest watch brand. Over the centuries, Blancpain has consistently pushed the boundaries of horological innovation, earning a reputation for exquisite craftsmanship and timeless design. Their commitment to quality and precision has solidified their position as a leader in the industry. The Fifty Fathoms, introduced in 1953, stands as a testament to Blancpain's pioneering spirit. It wasn't just another watch; it was a groundbreaking creation, the first true diver's watch, designed to meet the rigorous demands of underwater exploration. This iconic model played a pivotal role in the development of diving as a sport and a scientific pursuit. It forged a lasting connection between Blancpain and the ocean, a bond that continues to inspire the brand's creations.



Swatch, on the other hand, revolutionized the watch industry in the 1980s with its bold, colorful, and affordable quartz watches. The brand's name, a contraction of "Second Watch," reflects its mission to create watches that were not just timekeeping instruments but also fashion accessories. Swatch's innovative use of plastic and vibrant designs democratized watch ownership, making it accessible to a wider audience. Their watches became a symbol of youthful energy and self-expression. They quickly became a global phenomenon, transforming the way people perceived and wore watches. Swatch's impact on the watch industry is undeniable, as they injected a sense of fun and individuality into a traditionally conservative market.



The collaboration between Blancpain and Swatch, two brands with distinct identities and histories, might seem unexpected at first glance. However, it represents a harmonious fusion of heritage and modernity, luxury and accessibility. The Scuba Fifty Fathoms collection, born from this partnership, pays homage to Blancpain's iconic diver's watch while embracing Swatch's innovative spirit and playful aesthetic. It's a collection that appeals to both seasoned watch collectors and a new generation of enthusiasts. The watches are not just timepieces; they are statements, conversation starters.



Now, let's talk about the star of the show, the Pink Ocean edition. This particular model stands out with its striking pink hue, a color rarely seen in the world of diver's watches. It's not just any pink; it's a soft yet vibrant shade developed exclusively for this collection. It immediately evokes images of serene pink lakes and beaches, capturing the delicate beauty of nature. The color is a bold choice, one that challenges traditional notions of what a diver's watch should look like. It's a refreshing departure from the typical blacks, blues, and silvers that dominate the market, making a statement of individuality and style.



The 42.3 mm case and crown of the Pink Ocean are crafted from Bioceramic, a material developed and patented by Swatch. This innovative material is a blend of two-thirds ceramic, commonly used in high-end watchmaking, and one-third biosourced material derived from castor oil. The result is a material that is both durable and lightweight, with a silky matte finish that feels luxurious to the touch. Bioceramic is also highly scratch-resistant, ensuring that the watch can withstand the rigors of daily wear and maintain its pristine appearance. The use of this material highlights the collaboration's commitment to sustainability and innovation, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in watchmaking materials.



The dial of the Pink Ocean is a study in understated elegance. It features a sun-brushed finish that catches the light beautifully, creating a subtle play of shadows and highlights. The hour indexes, hour and minute hands, and the tip of the seconds hand are all coated with Grade A Super-LumiNova, ensuring exceptional legibility in low-light conditions. This luminescent material glows brightly in the dark, a crucial feature for a diver's watch. A discreet date indicator sits between the 4 and 5 o'clock positions, adding a practical touch without cluttering the dial. The overall design is clean and uncluttered, allowing the vibrant pink color to take center stage.



The unidirectional rotating bezel, also made from pink Bioceramic, features a shiny three-dimensional resin insert injected with Grade A Super-LumiNova. This detail not only enhances the watch's functionality but also adds a touch of visual depth. The bezel is an essential tool for divers, allowing them to track elapsed time underwater. The 60-minute diving scale on the bezel is clearly marked and easy to read, even in challenging conditions. The unidirectional rotation ensures that the bezel can only be moved counterclockwise, preventing accidental adjustments that could compromise the diver's safety.



Turning the watch over reveals the heart of the Pink Ocean, the SISTEM51 mechanical movement. This Swiss-made movement is a marvel of engineering, featuring just 51 parts, including a single central screw. It boasts an impressive 90-hour power reserve, meaning the watch will continue to run for almost four days without being worn or wound. The movement is also fully anti-magnetic, thanks to its hairspring made with Nivachron, ensuring high precision and reliability. A transparent sapphire glass case back allows a full view of this intricate mechanism. This design choice showcases Swatch's commitment to transparency, allowing the wearer to appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into each watch.



The case back of the Pink Ocean is where the watch's unique character truly shines. It features a digital print of pink-hued water and the Ceratodoris rosacea nudibranch, a vibrant pink sea slug also known as Hopkin's rose. This intricate detail is a tribute to the beauty and diversity of marine life. The choice of the nudibranch as a design element is significant. These creatures are known for their extraordinary colors and striking forms, and they inhabit oceans around the world. The Ceratodoris rosacea, with its vibrant pink hue, perfectly complements the overall aesthetic of the watch. This design element transforms the watch into a wearable piece of art, a conversation starter that celebrates the wonders of the underwater world.



Adding to the watch's unique character are five inspirational inscriptions on the case back: "PASSION FOR DIVING," "LICENCE TO EXPLORE," "OCEAN BREATH," "PROTECT WHAT YOU LOVE," and "IMMERSE YOURSELF." These phrases encapsulate the spirit of adventure and exploration that lies at the heart of the Fifty Fathoms collection. They serve as a reminder of the importance of ocean conservation, a cause that both Blancpain and Swatch are committed to. These inscriptions add a personal touch to the watch, making it more than just a timepiece but a symbol of a shared passion for the ocean.



The Pink Ocean comes with a two-piece NATO-style strap made from recycled fishing nets. This choice of material is a testament to the collaboration's commitment to sustainability. The strap is not only durable and comfortable but also environmentally conscious. It provides full visibility of the movement through the transparent case back, allowing the wearer to appreciate the intricate workings of the watch from every angle. The pin buckle and loops are also made from pink Bioceramic, ensuring a cohesive and stylish look. The strap is designed for both comfort and functionality, providing a secure fit for any adventure.



The Blancpain x Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms Pink Ocean is water-resistant to 50 fathoms, which is equivalent to 91 meters or 300 feet. This level of water resistance makes it suitable for most water activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and recreational diving. While it may not be designed for professional deep-sea diving, it's more than capable of handling the demands of everyday life and aquatic adventures. The watch's robust construction and reliable movement ensure that it can withstand the pressures of underwater exploration.



The Pink Ocean is priced at $400.00, making it an accessible entry point into the world of luxury diver's watches. This price point is a strategic move by Blancpain and Swatch, aiming to attract a wider audience to the world of high-quality mechanical timepieces. It's a watch that offers exceptional value for its price, combining the heritage and craftsmanship of Blancpain with the innovative design and affordability of Swatch. This collaboration has made the dream of owning a Blancpain diver's watch a reality for many watch enthusiasts who may have previously considered it out of reach.



Case: Pink Bioceramic case, including crown. 42.3 mm diameter. 14.4 mm thickness. 48.0 mm lug-to-lug. Unidirectional rotating bezel in pink Bioceramic with shiny three-dimensional resin insert injected with Grade A Super-LumiNova®. Biosourced glass. Water resistant to 50 fathoms (91 m / 300 ft / 9 bar).

Movement: SISTEM51 mechanical movement. 90-hour power reserve. Anti-magnetic due to Nivachron™ hairspring. Transparent caseback.

Dial: Sun-brushed finish. Date indicator between 4 and 5 o'clock. Grade A Super-LumiNova® on hour indexes, hour and minute hands, and the tip of the seconds hand.

Strap: Two-piece NATO-style strap made from recycled fishing nets. Pink Bioceramic pin buckle and loops.

Price: $400.00

Reference Number: SO35P400

Notes: The watch features a digital print of pink-hued water and the Ceratodoris rosacea nudibranch on the case back. Five inscriptions are also present on the back: "PASSION FOR DIVING," "LICENCE TO EXPLORE," "OCEAN BREATH," "PROTECT WHAT YOU LOVE," and "IMMERSE YOURSELF." Collaboration between Blancpain and Swatch.